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Lake Tahoe invasive species inspections halted, effectively closing boat launches

Benjamin Spillman   | Reno Gazette Journal
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Invasive species inspections of watercraft heading into Lake Tahoe are suspended until at least April 16, effectively closing boat launches at the popular tourist destination on the California-Nevada border.

On Wednesday the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency announced it would halt inspections due to the ongoing COVID-19 virus pandemic.

Inspections are a legal requirement for anyone seeking to launch a motorized boat into the lake. They're aimed at preventing the introduction of invasive mussels and other species that can disrupt the lake's delicate ecosystems.

Without an inspection, people can't legally launch a motorized boat, said Jeff Cowen, spokesman for TRPA.

"No boats can launch until the inspectors go back to work," Cowen said. "It is effectively no boats can launch."

Inspections of more than 70,000 watercraft and more than 30,000 hot-water decontamination rinses since 2008 are credited with preventing the spread of species such as quagga mussels into the lake.

Even boats with Tahoe-safe seals won't legally be allowed to launch because inspectors are required to verify the seal, Cowen said.

Non-motorized watercraft, such as kayaks and stand up paddle boards, aren't subject to the same inspection requirements and can, legally, use the lake, he said.

However, public health officials and law enforcement in some California counties are urging people to avoid high-risk outdoors activities in general.

They're concerned that if someone requires a rescue it could put rescuers at risk of breaking pandemic protocol, which could result in a quarantine period during which they would be unable to work.

Also, resort towns such as Truckee, Calif., are asking visitors to stay away during the pandemic crisis to prevent unnecessary burdens on local medical resources which are at risk of stretching to the breaking point, depending on how far the virus reaches into communities.

There are also restrictions on and advisories against unnecessary travel in California and Nevada.

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